Miss Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

The painting depicts a full-length portrait of Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth. She stands centrally, holding a golden crown with both hands above her head, as if about to place it on her brow. Her gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the left, with a complex expression that could be interpreted as ambitious, determined, or perhaps haunted.
Lady Macbeth wears a rich, elaborate costume. Her dress appears dark and intricately patterned, possibly with scales or leaf-like motifs in shades of blue and green. Over this, she wears a flowing, translucent cape or mantle in a deep green, edged with shimmering gold embroidery. Long, braided red hair cascades down her back and over her shoulders, interwoven with ribbons and chains. Decorative belts and sashes adorn her waist and chest, adding to the opulent and theatrical nature of her attire.
The background is dark and atmospheric, predominantly composed of deep greens and blacks, which serves to highlight the figure of Lady Macbeth and her vibrant costume. The lighting seems to draw focus to her face and the crown, creating a dramatic and almost ethereal effect.
The subtext of the painting is highly layered. It captures a pivotal moment for Lady Macbeth, poised on the brink of claiming the crown and embracing her ambition. The act of placing the crown on her own head suggests a self-willed ascension, fueled by her own desires for power. Her intense expression hints at the psychological toll and moral ambiguity associated with her rise to power, a theme central to Shakespeares play. The richness of her costume can symbolize her greed and aspiration, while the dark backdrop may allude to the sinister deeds and ensuing despair that will follow her ambition. The portrait powerfully conveys both the allure and the inherent danger of unchecked ambition.